Lovely Dudley
Dagenham honours its favourite son
The theatre in Dudley Moore’s home town of Dagenham has honoured its most famous son.
The Broadway Theatre dedicated its main auditorium to the comedian, and marked the occasion with a plaque.
It was unveiled by Rena Frutcher, Moore's friend, biographer and piano partner who was with him when he died at her New Jersey home in 2002.
She told the Barking and Dagenham Post: "I was with Dudley in 2001 when he learnt there was talk of naming a theatre after him - he was so touched and delighted. He would have been overwhelmed to see this amazing theatre.”
A tribute gig in his honour on Sunday night raised more than £2,000 for the Broadway's youth theatre.
Fruchter added: "Dudley loved being a mentor to young performers and musicians - it was important he recognised talent."
Published: 29 Jun 2005
